Bulletin from the Office of Public Works ISSUE 17 : JUNE 2007

Bulletin from the Office of Public Works
ISSUE 17 : JUNE 2007

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CONTENTS
NEW ELEPHANT EXHIBIT AT DUBLIN ZOO
BANC CEANNAIS NA h-ÉIREANN IN ARAINN
RESTORATION AND EXTENSION OF COBH
CUSTOM HOUSE
GLENCREE CENTRE FOR RECONCILIATION ARMOURY
BUILDING PROJECT
OLDBRIDGE 11 MAY 2007
NATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGIONAL
INSPECTORATE AT KILKENNY
NA LOCHLANNAIGH – ARÍS!
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL & FAMILY AFFAIRS
DECENTRALISATION OFFICES, CARRICK 0N SHANNON
BLOOM IN THE PARK
SOUTHWEST PARTNERSHIP
STATSBYGG DELEGATION VISIT OPW
ON BECOMING DR. JOHN
OFFICE OF PUBLIC WORKS GOLF SOCIETIES
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
STAFF CHANGES

WELCOME
TO ISSUE 17
OF OBAIR
MAGAZINE
Following the general election in late May of this year we saw the arrival of a new
Minister to OPW and we welcome Mr. Noel Ahern T.D. to his new portfolio and
wish him every success in his new role.
In this edition of Obair we feature some more of the projects that the Office has
been working on during the first half of 2007.
You will find details of the contract award for the new National Conference Centre
at Spencer Dock, the opening by An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern T.D. of the new
Elephant House and the Kaziranga Forest Trail in Dublin Zoo, Dr. Ian Paisley’s visit to
the Battle of the Boyne site, the restoration and conservation of Cobh Custom
House in County Cork and the provision of new state of the art facilities for a
Regional Inspectorate of the Environmental Protection Agency in Kilkenny.
Decentralisation continues to be rolled out across the country and in this edition
we bring you details of the Department of Social and Family Affairs’ newly
constructed landmark office in Carrick on Shannon, County Leitrim. We also feature
articles on the hugely successful “Bloom” event in the Phoenix Park over the June
Bank Holiday weekend in addition to some more social items such as how Phoenix
Park Chief Superintendent John McCullen has become “Doctor John”, an invasion of
Vikings, the workings of the South West partnership and the OPW Golf Society’s
outings.
You will notice that, for the first time, we have some contributions “as Gaeilge” in
this edition and for this we thank both Míchéal de Mórdha and Pádraic ó' Tuairisg.
Of course we also thank everyone else who took time out from their busy
schedules to contribute to this magazine. Contributions are always welcome so if
you feel that you have anything you would like to tell your colleagues about then
please feel free to contact any of the editorial team listed below.
We hope you enjoy this edition of your Obair magazine.
George Moir, Kevin Kennedy, Raé Kearns
Obair Editorial Team
Front Cover: Proposed National Conference Centre
Back Cover: Cobh Customs House m Obair is produced on recycled paper. 75% Revive Matt.

NEW ELEPHANT
EXHIBIT AT
DUBLIN ZOO
The rejuvenation of the historic core of Dublin Zoo has been a
longstanding priority for the Zoo and the creation of a new elephant
exhibit is one of the most ambitious projects to date. OPW has been
at the heart of all major capital development works at Dublin Zoo
since the Government approved a series of Capital Development
Programmes.The highlight of the initial Programme was the
opening of the African Plains exhibit in 2000. Among other
significant capital works since then have been the Meerkat
Restaurant, Staff Facilities Complex and Ibis Cliff exhibit. OPW is again
centrally involved with the elephant development which forms part
of the current Capital Development Programme ( 2006 – 2010 ).
Elephants on the Kaziranga Forest Trail

A new elephant house was the first phase of the
project. The development of a new enlarged external
natural landscape will complete the development.
The new Elephant House at Dublin Zoo is a state of
the art facility that encompasses animal well-being
with visitor enjoyment and keeper safety. The 730m 2
steel framed structure provides 3 individual stalls and
a ‘Protective Contact’ wall to facilitate safe one on
one keeper/elephant interaction, a 2m deep internal
sand pit and an external corral to provide care and
interaction based on the latest animal enrichment
policies. Complete with state of the art CCTV
monitoring equipment and keeper facilities OPW
have designed a user specific building to Dublin
Zoo’s exacting brief of requirements.
Prior to construction of the new House, Kirsty & Judy,
the previous elephant house incumbents, retired to a
Zoo in Germany. Dublin Zoo has fostered 3 female
elephants; Bernadine, Anak and Yasmine from
Rotterdam Zoo in the Netherlands. Bernadine gave
birth on 7th May 2007.
The Elephant House forms part of an overall habitat
that spans almost 3 acres and will contain 2 animal
pools, a babbling stream, a viewing amphitheatre
and an authentically planted Asian forest-clearing
exhibit. The entire completed exhibit opened to the
Public 28th June 2007.
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Elephant Exhibit: Architect’s account:
OPW Architectural Services commenced design
work on the Elephant exhibit when the acquisition
of three elephants from Rotterdam Zoo was
announced. Considering the urgency of their
planned arrival in October 2006, it was decided to
phase the project into three separate contracts,
namely the Elephant House and external corral first,
the Elephant Habitat/landscape next, and finally the
Haughton House.
The elephant house plan was developed between
OPW and Dublin Zoo, and its overall design reflects
the adjacent Haughton House, and Asian rainforest
architecture. The building provides a comfortable
and efficient environment for both elephants and
keepers, and has set the example for other Zoos
overseas for safe care of the animals.
The Habitat, which is adjacent to the house, was
executed in collaboration with Jones and Jones
Landscape Architects, and was designed on an Indian
flood plain theme (named by Dublin Zoo as the
Kaziranga Forest trail project).This incorporates

OPW Project Management Team
Principal Officer
John McMahon
Assistant Principal Officer
Bríd Snow
Higher Executive Officer
Catherine Kennedy
simulated earth-banks (some planted), sand mounds,
two oxbow lakes, waterfall, stream, pathways, dry
riverbed and occasional viewing shelters.The exhibit
will also provide for and share a herd of Asian
Antelope.The earth banks, which are formed with
specialist-applied concrete, give the appearance of
flood-eroded riverbanks have the triple function of
security, controlling lines of vision and use as planting
containers. Dublin Zoo landscaping staff completed
the habitat with extensive planting to complement
the visitor’s experience of a lush Asian rainforest.
Executive Officer
Catherine Gentleman
Senior Architect
Kevin Wolahan
OPW Architectural Services are about to commence
re-construction of the Haughton House to its former
1898 glory as an Asian pavilion overlooking the
Elephant habitat. The building will house the
Learning and Discovery centre, which will be themed
on elephants and the Asian rainforest. This will be
completed in June 2008, and will be the icing on the
cake for the Elephant Exhibit.
Bianca O’Neill and Charles Moore
Architectural Services
Project Architect (Elephant House)
Charles Moore
Project Architect (Elephant Landscape)
Bianca O’Neill
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BANC CEANNAIS NA
h-ÉIREANN IN ARAINN
Am éigin faoi Shamhain 2006 dúradh liom go mbeadh an Banc
Ceannais ag seoladh na mboinn nua don bhlian 2007 ag Dún
Aonghasa in Arainn agus lá breá an mhí sin tháinig beirt ón mBanc
Ceanais agus beirt ó Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí go Dún Aonghasa.
Bhí said sásta lena bhfaca said agus socraíodh go mbeadh an
seoladh ag Dún Aughasa ar an 10ú Eanair 2007.
Radharc as Dún Aonghasa

Dún Aonghasa
Tháinig an lá, agus bhí sé go h-álainn. Ar maidin
thainig roinnt iriseóirí agus grúpa gasúir scoile leo ó
scoil áitiúil agus chuaigh said ar fad suas Dún
Aoghasa agus chaith said uairenta an chloig ansin ag
tógáil pictiúirí de na gasúir agus an t-airgead nua acu
agus an fharraige mhór agus na h-aillte mar chúlra
acu. Foilsíodh na pictiúir seo sna nuachtáin
deireannaí.
Thart ar mheán lae thosaigh maithe agus móruaisle
an Bhainc agus an OPW ag teacht ar eitleáin.Ina
measc bhí an t-Aire Stáit Tom Parlon, an
Cathaoirleach Seán Benton agus Brian Murphy.
Chuaigh said go dtí an tóstán.
Ag 5.00 tráthnóna bhí gach duine-daoine ionadacha
ó eagrais éagsúla sa bpobal agus éinne eile a
mbeadh baint acu leis an ócáid,- bailithe san ionad
cuairteoirí ag Dún Aonghasa nuair a thainig an tAire
agus na “réalta” eile leis. Cuireadh tús leis an ócaid
nuair a cuireadh fáilte roimh gach duine agus
seoladh na boinn nua agus ansin bhronn Brian
Murphy na chéad bhoinn ar an Aire agus go deimhin
bhí said go slachtmhar, neadaithe i gcárta ar a raibh
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pictiúirí de Dhún Aonghasa agus na dúnta eile ar
an oileán agus na bláthanna freisin. Bronntanas
an-álainn ar fad!
Agus an seoladh déanta, tugadh ciureadh chun béile
do gach duine agus bhí “nua gach bídh agus sean
gach dí”-méarbhia agus fíon- ann agus ceol croíúil
traidisiúnta. Is dócha go raibh suas le seachtú duine
ann ar fad.
Chuir an t-Aire Parlon dinnéar ar fáil, san óstán, níos
deireannaí san oíche do na daoine a tháinig “thar
lear” agus ina dhiaidh sin bhí oíche go maidin san
óstán.
Bhí na cuairteorí le nimeacht ag 10.00 maidin lá arna
mhárach ach nuair a tháinig an mhaidin bhí sé soiléir
nach mbeadh aon duine ag imeacht. Bhí stoirm láidir
ann agus ní raibh eitleán ná bád in ann taisteal.
Cuireadh in iúil é seo do na cuairteoirí agus sílim gur
thug mé faoi deara meangadh gáire ar go leor béal!
Bhí orainn socruithe eile a dhéanamh ansin. Fuair
gach duine lón agus ina dhiaidh sin chugaidh said
siar go dtí na Seacht dTeampaill, áit álainn lá ar bith
ach leis na tonnta ollnhóra a bhí ag pléascadh ar an
gcadach in aice leis, baineadh sásamh agus
taithneamh nach beag as. Ansin fuair muid scéala go
mbeadh bád ag dul amach go Ros a' Mhíl ag 5:00 an
tráthnóna sin. Chuala mé osna nó dhó! Mar sin féin
d'imigh siad ag 5.00. Bhí an gníomh déanta agus
gach duine sásta.
Pádraic ó' Tuairisg
Seirbhísí Oidhreachta
Ag seoladh na mBoinn

Cobh Custom House,
East Beach Road Entrance
RESTORATION AND
EXTENSION OF COBH
CUSTOM HOUSE
The town of Cobh is synonymous with maritime activities and is
noted for its Victorian waterfront architecture. The original Custom
House was designed by Robert Cochrane, Surveyor, Board of Works
in the mid 1890s. The red bricked building located on the
waterfront had lain derelict for a number of years before it was
decided to utilise the space for accommodation for the
Department of Social Welfare.

East Beach Road Entrance
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Lynchs Quay Entrance

Internal Building
East Beach Road Entrance
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Public Offices

Project Team
Client
Department of Social & Family Affairs
OPW Senior Architect
Brendan Cormican
The project consisted of restoring the existing Custom
House on the quayside while linking through to the
extension, which provides its new public face to East
Wall Road.The full restoration and conservation of the
existing Custom House was undertaken with due
recognition of its historical significance and
architectural heritage within the area.
Every effort was made to salvage material and reuse
on site if possible. The original doors in the existing
building were revarnished and the original counter
was restored and retained. Materials used in
construction were intended to contrast as well as
complement the existing building and the
surrounding streetscapes.
The existing Custom House becomes the office area
and entry point for staff, while the new extension
becomes the public entry point and circulation area.
The link at ground and first floor level is extremely
important in providing universal access for the two
buildings. The installation of a small lift accessed off
the main hallway provides disabled access to the
existing building.
Several factors influenced the structure and design
of the new extension. For example the circulation
routes from the existing building into the new
extension and routes from the top level of the site at
OPW Project Architect
Catherine Crowe
OPW Project Management Services
John MCMahon, Martin O Gorman,
Bríd Snow, Catherine Kennedy, Katie
Gentleman
East Wall to the lower level on Lynch's Quay creates a
new elevation and public face to East Wall for the
Custom's House.
Construction work began in July 2005 and was
completed in August 2006. The restored Custom
House and new extension provides the people of
Cobh with an alternative and functional building of
historical importance. The building was highly
commended in the OPUS Awards 2006.
Katie Gentleman
Project Management Services
13

GLENCREE CENTRE
FOR RECONCILIATION
ARMOURY BUILDING PROJECT
Property Maintenance Services some time back commenced the
rehabilitation of the grounds and buildings on the State Owned site
of the Glencree Peace and Reconciliation Centre at Glencree,
County Wicklow, having recognised the value of the work that the
Centre is involved in and the importance of the buildings as a
valuable State Asset. Glencree is nestled in the Wicklow Mountains
in the Glencree Valley just 12 miles from the centre of Dublin. The
Glencree Centre for Reconciliation which was founded in 1974 is
devoted to peace building and reconciliation in Ireland, North and
South, Britain, and beyond.
Glencree Centre for Reconciliation
Armoury Building

Property Maintenance Services has now completed
the major alteration and refurbishment of the Old
Armoury Building Store under the direction of Des
Thorpe, Head of Maintenance Services. The Building
has been converted into a new Restaurant with
catering facilities for the Glencree Centre to include a
new mezzanine floor. The existing small coffee shop
situated in the Bridge Block had become inadequate
to meet current demands and will be converted into
much needed exhibition space now that the
Armoury is completed.
The restoration of the Armoury Building included the
repair of existing slated roof and construction of café
with fully fitted out modern kitchen, toilets and
associated facilities.The Armoury Building will provide
not just a major facility for the operations of the
Centre but also for the general public as a gateway to
the Wicklow National Park. A Conservatory type
extension to the Armoury was also constructed to
cater for excess traffic and allow users to take
advantage of the beautiful south-facing view.
Property Maintenance Section engaged Anthony
Moore, Consulting Engineer to run the Project. The
OPW Senior Architect, John Cahill provided advice on
the conservation issues of the Project. The Main
Contractor was O'Farrell Kennedy Builders Ltd. The
installation of the Electrical and Mechanical Services
under the direction of our Senior Clerk of Works, Jack
Brady was carried out by J Vaughan Electrical
Contractors Ltd and H A Barrett and Company
respectively. The new Armoury Kitchen Equipment
was provided by Masser Hammond. Security works
to include alarms etc. were carried out by Security
Technology Ireland Ltd. while Fire Technology Ltd
installed the Fire Alarm System. Brendan Shortt of the
OPW Building Maintenance Service provided
valuable on site support to all concerned throughout
the Project. The Board, Management and staff of
Glencree Centre have to be complimented for their
input and co operation in getting the Project up and
running and for their ongoing assistance to
completion.
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Tea Rooms and Visitor Facilities

Furniture Branch supplied all the new furniture for
the Armoury and it is of the same high standard and
specification as the furniture used in Emo Court,
County Laois.
OPW Mechanical and Electrical Services has also
rationalised the ESB wiring network and metering
system within the Centre such that the overall
electrical installation can serve all existing buildings
to be refurbished and new buildings coming on
stream in the future. A new switchboard was
manufactured by Davenam and installed by J
Vaughan Electrical Contractors Ltd.
A standby generator was purchased from F G Wilson
Ltd. and is now installed and commissioned to
ensure continued power supply to the Centre when
supply is disrupted.
At a later stage in the development of the site and
depending on the availability of funds OPW would
like to secure and develop the very large back
building (Back Range) with a view to restoring the
building in the future.
The siting of a Visitor Centre on the Glencree lands as
a gateway to the Wicklow National Park is also the
subject of discussions between the National Parks
and Wildlife, OPW and Glencree Centre. Discussions
are centering around agreeing an exact location for
the Visitor Centre, creation of local walks through
Glencree and Coillte lands that would join up with
the nearby Wicklow Way. The new facility at the
Armoury Building should complement any plan for
the Visitor Centre.
Minister of State, Tom Parlon who opened the new
facility acknowledged the continuing important
work undertaken by the Glencree Centre for
Reconciliation and acknowledged the support given
by the Glencree Board, Management and staff to this
Project. He wished them every success with their
own Project coming on stream involving the
construction of a New Administration Block and
provision of further accommodation at the Centre.
Dermot O’Brien
Property Maintenance Section
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OLDBRIDGE
11 MAY 2007
An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern TD welcomed newly-appointed First
Minister of Northern Ireland, Dr Ian Paisley, MP, MLA – paying his first
official visit to the State in his new capacity – to the site of the
historic Battle of the Boyne (1690) at Oldbridge, Co Meath on the
11th of May. Also in attendance to mark the historic occasion were
many Ministers and other dignitaries from both North and South.
First Minister Dr Paisley presents the
Taoiseach with an original musket
at Oldbridge

The walnut bowl presented by the Taoiseach to Dr Paisley
and his wife at the Multi Party Talks in St Andrews
The dignitaries inspected the works-in-progress
which include: the development of Oldbridge House
(c1740) as a Visitor Centre with exhibitions of models,
maps and graphics, a display of 17th century artillery
and associated military equipment, refurbishment of
the adjoining stable-block for audio-visual facilities,
restoration of the walled gardens, provision of a new
tearoom pavilion, toilets and car/bus parking. The
initiative arose from an undertaking in the Good
Friday Agreement to implement tangible measures
to ‘demonstrate respect for the different traditions on
the island of Ireland’.
At the pivotal Multi Party Talks in St Andrews,
Scotland on the 13th of October last the Taoiseach
had presented Dr Paisley and his wife, Baroness
Eileen, with an exquisite walnut bowl to mark the
occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary (on that
same day). The bowl had been carved from a huge
walnut tree (Juglans regia) certified by the Tree
Council of Ireland as an all-Ireland ‘champion tree’ of
its species (largest in terms of its girth, 2nd tallest),
approximately 250 years old, which was growing in a
central position on the Battlesite. Unfortunately, the
tree blew- down in the storm of January 2005 but
the beautiful hollow bowl was carved from a
salvaged limb by sculptor Liam O’ Neill.
The Taoiseach recalled this event as he and the First
Minister planted a tree of the same species at
Oldbridge during their visit. Dr Paisley then
presented the Taoiseach with a rare Jabobite cavalry
officer’s musket (1675), said to have been used at
both the Siege of Derry (1689) and at the Boyne, for
display in the House.
The new facilities are on course for completion in
time for next year’s tourist season. Visitor numbers in
excess of 100,000 are anticipated as the Battle of the
Boyne becomes a tourism, heritage and recreational
attraction and an iconic symbol of the Peace Process.
Eugene Keane
Heritage Services
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NATIONAL
CONFERENCE
CENTRE
The Contract Award or Financial Close on this unique and
prestigious Public Private Partnership (PPP) was achieved on the 5th
April 2007. The Contract was awarded to the Spencer Dock
Convention Centre Dublin Ltd (SDCCD) Consortium. Under the
terms of the Contract, SDCCD are required to Design, Build, Finance,
the National Conference Centre (NCC) and Operate and Maintain it
for a period of 25 years, after which time the facility will revert to
the State. In return, once construction work on the Conference
Centre is complete and the Centre is open for business, the State
will pay SDCCD by way of annual Unitary Payments over 25 years, a
total of just under a380m in present day values. Construction work
on the Conference Centre, which will take 40 months to complete,
has commenced.

The absence of a National Conference Centre has
been recognised for some time as a deficit in
Ireland’s business tourism infrastructure. The global
conference market is worth up to a40 billion per
year and 870 international association conferences
take place every year, in Europe alone. Ireland,
without a dedicated National Conference Centre has
lost out on much of the available premium tourist
business. Delegates to these conferences are
regarded as “high value” business tourists and are
estimated to spend a1,250 each (excluding air travel)
during their stay. Conference visitors often extend
their stay at the end of the conference or return later
for private holidays. The NCC when fully operational,
is expected to generate additional foreign revenue
earnings of between a25m-a50m per annum.
In June 2003, the Government decided that a
National Conference Centre, should be
sourced/leased, in the Dublin area, on behalf of the
State, on the basis that the construction cost, if any,
of the NCC would not impact on the General
Government Balance. On foot of the Government
Decision, a Steering Group was set up, chaired by the
Secretary General of the Department of Arts, Sports
and Tourism, including the Chairman of OPW,
representatives of the Department of Finance, Fáilte
Ireland, supported as necessary, by professional
expertise including the National Development
Finance Agency (NDFA). In line with the Government
Decision, OPW was appointed as the Contracting
Authority and a Project Team, chaired by Special
Projects Unit, was given the task of Project Managing
the complex Procurement Process and driving the
Project through to Contract Award. Jacobs
Engineering were subsequently appointed as
Technical Advisors, while McCann Fitzgerald Solicitors
were appointed as Legal Advisors with Financial
advice being provided by the NDFA and Farrell Grant
Sparks. Brady Shipman Martin provided advice on
Planning while Commercial Property advice was
obtained from Bannon Commercial. In accordance
with E.U., Procurement Rules, it was decided that the
Negotiated Procedure was the most appropriate
Form of Procurement for the NCC. A further
distinctive feature of the Procurement Process was
the requirement that prospective participants
provide a suitable site.
Following the publication of a Notice in the E.U.,
Journal, Expressions of Interest were received from 4
Consortia, of which, three satisfied the Financial &
Technical criteria and were also deemed to have
suitable sites. Invitation to Negotiate (ITN)
documentation issued to the three Consortia in
December 2004, with two Tenders being,
subsequently, received by the closing date in May
2005. Following a detailed evaluation of the Tenders,
the Spencer Dock Consortium was deemed to be
the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT)
and following a Government Decision, was
appointed as Provisional Preferred Tenderer (PPT) in
December 2005. Negotiations with the Consortium
commenced on the 8th December 2005, with a view
to it being appointed Preferred Tenderer, through a
series of Legal/Commercial, Financial and Technical
Meetings.
The main objective and indeed rationale for the NCC,
was to increase Ireland’s share of the International
Business Conference market. As part of its bid,
SDCCD was required to provide a Marketing Strategy
which required it to guarantee that a certain number
of foreign delegates would visit the NCC. During the
negotiations with SDCCD, OPW obtained increases in
the guaranteed number of delegates who would
visit the NCC and received all necessary assurances
on the Financial Model for financing and operating
the NCC for the duration of the 25 year concession.
Negotiations on the PPT Phase ended in July 2006
and following a Government Decision, resulted in
SDCCD being appointed as Preferred Tenderer (PT)
on 31st August 2006. During the PT Phase,
negotiations continued with a view to obtaining
closure on the Project Agreement and the numerous
Schedules attaching to it. Following a further
Government Decision, Contract Award or Financial
Close (the term used in PPP Projects) was finally
achieved on the 5th April 2007.
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Project Team
Client
Department of Arts,Sports
and Tourism
The Conference Centre will be located at Spencer
Dock on Dublin’s North Quays, adjacent to the Royal
Canal. The Centre will include a 2,000 seat raked
auditorium, numerous multi-purpose meeting rooms
and approximately 4,500m 2 of flexible exhibition and
banqueting spaces, along with associated press and
delegate support facilities and general utility spaces.
The Centre is spread over five levels and has the
potential to cater for up to 8,000 delegates in various
configurations, making the National Conference
Centre one of the most flexible conference centres in
Europe. The Conference Centre, when constructed,
will be approximately 27,000m 2 in area, will be clad
in stone and will include a dramatic glass fronted
entrance atrium running the full height of the
building – giving visitors panoramic views of the
River Liffey, Dublin City Centre and the Wicklow
Mountains. A new five star hotel, facing on to Mayor
St, will be provided at the northern end of the NCC
(the hotel is not part of the PPP contract).
The building was designed by the Pritzker Prize
winner, Kevin Roche, the internationally renowned,
Irish Architect, who, after graduating from the UCD
School of Architecture in 1945, worked with the
Contracting Authority
Commissioners of Public Works
Chairman
Seán Benton (Steering Group Member)
Commisioner
Clare Mc Grath (Steering Group Member)
Special Projects Unit
Kevin Connolly, Gerry Gleeson,
Willie McIntosh, Bernie Mannion,
John Powell, Sharon Kiernan,
Julie Whyte, Maitane Celadom,
Architectural Services
Assistant Principal Architect
Klaus Unger
Architect Michael Scott, before moving to America
where he is still an active member of the firm, Kevin
Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates.
At the official Marketing Launch in Dublin Castle on
20th June 2007, attended by An Taoiseach and
representatives of the tourist industry etc., the
Executive Chairman of SDCCD Mr., Dermod Dwyer,
confirmed that the NCC will be open for business on
the 1st September 2010. The NCC will be known as
The Convention Centre Dublin and a website,
www.theccd.ie, has been set up. SDCCD has already
obtained its first booking i.e., The British Orthopaedic
Association. The Association has confirmed that it will
hold its Annual Congress in the NCC in September
2011, thus attracting over 1,000 members to Dublin.
SDCCD has now started marketing the NCC and in
doing so, are targeting international associations and
corporate bodies all around the world.
Gerry Gleeson
Special Projects Unit
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ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION AGENCY
REGIONAL INSPECTORATE AT KILKENNY
The decision to upgrade and extend the existing EPA Regional
Office, situated at Butts Green, Kilkenny, was the culmination for the
EPA of a long-term presence in Kilkenny. The Office was established
in 1978 as the South-East Regional Water Laboratory and was
operated by An Foras Forbartha on behalf of the local authorities of
Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford. It became part
of the EPA on its establishment in 1993.

Project Management Team
Principal
John McMahon
As OPW had already built the Headquarters of the
EPA at Johnstown Castle, Wexford, Laboratories at
Monaghan and Richview, Clonskeagh, it was a
measure of its satisfaction with these projects that
OPW was again called on to build new state of the
art facilities in Kilkenny. A greenfield site was
acquired at Seville Lodge, Callan Road, with ample
space for a 1,342m 2 laboratory with office
accommodation for professional and administrative
staff of multi-disciplinary backgrounds. A conference
facility is also provided.
The design of the building reflects the role of the
EPA as the major environmental management and
control institution in the state. The building contains
organics laboratories with fume cupboards, metals
laboratories, drench showers with eye wash and full
decontamination facilities, a microbiology laboratory
and a chemical storage facility.
Assistant Principal
Suzanne Reeves
The Inspectorate will serve the Local Authorities from
seven counties.
A staff of approximately twenty-five will occupy the
building with the conference facilities being used for
public seminars on environmental issues, training for
local authority and EPA staff and a Public Information
Centre.
OPW has been commissioned by the EPA to
undertake a major extension and alterations to the
existing HQ in Johnstown Castle, Wexford, in 2007.
Gina Brennan
Project Management Services
Higher Executive Officer
Anthony Collins
25

NA
LOCHLANNAIGH –
ARÍS!
Céad bliain ó shin, ag deireadh an tsamhraidh, sa bhliain 1907, do
tháinig scoláire iomráiteach ón Iorua, darbh ainm Carl John
Sverdrup Marstrander (26 Samhain 1883 go 23 Nollaig 1965), go dtí
an mBlascaod Mór chun feabhas a chur ar a chuid Gaeilge, teanga a
bhí á foghlaim aige trátha an ama seo.“An Lochlannach” a thug
Tomás Ó Criomhthain air, mar ainm cheana. Ní haon ionadh, mar sin,
gurb é “Na Lochlannaigh” an téama a bheidh ag Ceiliúradh an
Bhlascaoid i mbliana agus go mbeidh saol agus saothar
Mharstrander mar phríomh théama ag an gCeiliúradh sin. Tionólfar
an Ceiliúradh in Ionad an Bhlascaoid Mhóir, Dún Chaoin, ón 12-14
Deireadh Fómhair seo chugainn. Is é seo an 11ú Ceiliúradh bliantúil,
ó cuireadh ar bun ar dtús é sa bhliain 1996. Is iad Oifig na
n-Oibreacha Poiblí, maille le Fondúireacht an Bhlascaoid agus
Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne a eagraíonn Ceiliúradh an Bhlascaoid.
An Bhlascaoid Mhóir

Is é A Shoilse, Ambasadóir na hIorua chun na
hÉireann, an tUas. Truls Hanevold, a osclóidh
Ceiliúradh an Bhlascaoid go hoifigiúil ar 7.30 pm ar
an Aoine, 12 Deireadh Fómhair 2007. Orthu seo eile a
chuirfidh léachtaí i láthair tá: An Dr. Séamas Ó Catháin
(UCD), An tOllamh Donnchadh Ó Corráin (UCC), Dr.
Breandán Ó Cíobháin, Dr. Erik Rekdal, Dr. Bo Almqvist
(Ollamh Emeritus le Béaloideas, UCD) agus Einar
Richter-Hannsen (scríbhneoir, a labharfaidh mar
gheall ar stair an Nordkapp agus oileán Magerøy i
dtuaisceart na hIorua). Beidh trácht chomh maith ag
an gCeiliúradh ar scoláire eile ó Chríoch Lochlainn,
Carl Wilhelm Von Sydow, a thug turas ar an
mBlascaod in éis Mharstrander agus a thóg roinnt
ghrianghraif tábhachta ar an oileán. Ba é siúd athair
an aisteora Max Von Sydow.
“Tá sé thar a bheith tábhachtach domsa, mar
bhainisteoir anseo, go mbeadh úsáid coitianta á
bhaint againn as an Ionad mar láthair pobail agus
foghlama. Chomh maith leis an gCeiliúradh bíonn
an-chuid imeachtaí pobail ar bun againn gach bliain
agus is maith liom go bhfuil an earnáil oideachais
treas leibhéal ag baint an-earraíocht asainn,” arsa
Mícheál de Mórdha, Bainisteoir, Ionad an Bhlascaoid.
Ní haon ionadh leis go bhfuil triall ar mhuintir na
hIorua ar Ionad an Bhlascaoid i nDún Chaoin, lán trí
bhus acu, a thagann chugainn ón gcomhlacht
Abbey Tours gach maidin Shathairn i rith an bhiaiste
turasóireachta i mbliana. Cuireann na hIoruaigh anspéis
i scéal an Bhlascaoid agus i gcuairt
Mharstrander ar na Blascaodaigh céad bliain ó shin.
Is iomaí scéal béaloidis atá ann mar gheall ar Charl
Marstrander. Baineann ceann acu sin lena chéad
chuairt ar an oileán. Do bhí fhios ag Rí an Bhlascaoid,
Peats Mhicí Ó Catháin, go raibh an scoláire Ioruach ar
tí cuairt a thabhairt agus bhí sé féin agus roinnt eile
Ionad An Bhlascaoid Mhóir
de shaoithe an oileáin ag fanacht leis ar Chaladh an
Oileáin. Nuair a tháinig Marstrander i dtír do labhair
sé sa Mheán-Ghaeilge leis an Rí.
“Is deas an teanga an Ioruais, a dhuine uasail, ach
ambaiste ní thuigim focail dí,” arsa Peats Mhicí.
Lúthchleasaí ab ea Carl Marstrander a rinne
ionadaíocht ar a thír dhúchais sa léim cuaille ag na
cluichí Oilimpeacha fadó. Rinneadh iontas dó ar an
mBlascaod nuair a thosaigh sé ag léim os cionn na
dtithe le maide rámha mar thaca aige.
Thar aon rud eile is é Carl Marstrander a spreag
Tomás Ó Criomhthain chun dul i mbun
peannaireachta ina theanga dhúchais, gníomh a
spreag rabharta scríbhneoireachta an oileáin sin.
Tháinig scoláirí eile chun an oileáin mar gheall ar
Mharstrander – Robin Flower nó Bláithín, ach go
háirithe.
Beidh litríocht an Bhlascaoid faoi chomaoin go deo
ag an Ioruach uasal seo.
Míchéal de Mórdha
Seirbhísí Oidhreachta
27

DEPARTMENT OF
SOCIAL & FAMILY
AFFAIRS
DECENTRALISATION OFFICES,
CARRICK 0N SHANNON
Property Management Services have taken a long-term lease on a
newly constructed landmark office building in Carrick on Shannon
under the Decentralisation Programme.

Project Team
Property Management Services
JP Molloy, Ronan McKeever
Client
Department of Social & Family Affairs
Developer's Architect
John Fleming Architects
Sean Benton Chairman, former Minister Tom Parlon, John Ellis TD
and Minister Séamus Brennan
The Department of Social & Family Affairs units that
have decentralised to the premises are:
Identity Services, Decisions Advisory Office, Freedom
of Information, Maintenance Recovery Unit,
Employment Support Services and the Labour
Market Unit.
Located in the town centre, the new offices form
part of a new civic centre / riverside location and are
situated adjacent to the new Courthouse and Garda
Station.
The Offices have an excellent civic presence being
only a 3 minute walk from the Local Authority
Headquarters, 10-15 minutes walk from the Railway
Station and a convenient 10 minutes walk from the
local amenities such as Banks, Cafés, Hotels, Schools
and Crèches
The building, which comprises of 3,716m 2 of office
space, together with 130 car-parking spaces, has
been taken on a 20 year lease. Work station and
cellular office space has been provided for up to 185
staff with an allowance for work sharing and
expansion.
A turnkey package was negotiated with the
developer to fit out the building to the Department
of Social & Family Affairs’ requirements, based on
agreed layouts prepared by the OPW monitoring
Architect and Architects representing the Developer.
Developer
Lis Cara Partnership
OPW Monitoring Architect
Gerard Bourke
OPW Monitoring Services Engineer
Conor Byrne
The Ministers and JP Molloy and Gerard Bourke
The building has been designed sustainably - no
mechanical air-conditioning is needed, every worker
has their own openable window to control their own
local environment. The building is planned in the
shape of a St Bridget’s Cross so that floors can be
narrow enough to cross-ventilate naturally with fresh
air, which is why there are four wings with lots of
windows. Also, this means that every workspace has
a very good view either of the Shannon or of the
historic town of Carrick on Shannon.
Loose furniture and mobile file storage was provided
by OPW Furniture Branch.
All Artwork on display in the building was sourced
locally, and features works by leading local artists
Niall Walsh and Melanie O’Rourke. Most pieces are in
contemporary idioms reflecting the modern
expression of the building itself.
The building was handed over to the client at the
beginning of June 07.
Overall, the building provides an excellent working
environment for the staff. Moreover, it is an
aesthetically pleasing building from a visual
perspective, making it one of the finest buildings in
the town of Carrick-on-Shannon.
Ronan McLaughlin
Property Management Services
OPW Monitoring Quantity Surveyor
Burton & O'Connor
Furniture
OPW Furniture Branch
29

BLOOM
IN THE PARK
Ireland’s largest and most spectacular gardening event took place
in the Ashtown Demesne, Phoenix Park Visitor Centre over the
June Bank holiday weekend. The Office of Public Works was
delighted to work in close co-operation with Bord Bia & the
Horticultural Sector to facilitate this exciting world-class show
which, many have since referred to, as Ireland’s Chelsea Flower Show.
Over 50,000 visitors braved a range of weather conditions over the
course of the weekend, from sun cream & stilettos on Ladies Day to
rainmacs & wellies on the Sunday.
The OPW Garden

Commissioner David Byers, John McCullen
and the Phoenix Park Staff
The Garden Under Construction
Bloom in the Park showcased the best of Irish
landscape gardeners, designers and horticultural
producers with thirty stunning show gardens, many
with interactive features. Bloom offered daily
entertainment, creative workshops, cookery
demonstrations and arts, crafts & sculpture displays.
There was also an outdoor food market, a variety of
speciality garden retail exhibits, a family ‘fun learning
zone’ and Ireland’s largest ever nursery and floral
display.
From our first meeting on the 31st August 06, with
Commissioner Byers and the Bord Bia team, we soon
realised the scale of the event & the logistics
involved. The Phoenix Park has hosted many largescale
events over the years (in 2006 we had over 250
large scale events & 2300 sporting events) and thus
we were able to draw on this experience &
knowledge in organising & advising Bloom.
Given that the Heritage Services Section of OPW is
responsible for Historic Parks & Gardens throughout
the country, Bord Bia asked us in February 07 to
design a garden for the show. We were glad to do so
on the basis of demonstrating our landscape design
& horticultural skills as well as a marvellous
opportunity to publicise our portfolio of historic
parks & gardens throughout the country.
The two and a half acre walled garden was selected
as the location for the show gardens. However, the
gardens were in the process of being restored by the
historic parks & gardens staff of the Phoenix Park
with phase I being completed i.e. the original path
layout re-instated, water and drainage provided and
timber edging to the original panels. CEW under the
direction of Michael Marshall restored the original
gates. The original drawings of the Vineries and back
buildings by Jacob Owen in 1854 were unearthed by
David Wall and Dr John McCullen and formed part of
the plans for the new vineries, fruit stores &
pineapple houses. Phase II was just about to
commence with the planting up of the original
panels in the style of a Victorian kitchen garden
appropriate to the period, including soft fruit,
vegetables, espaliers & cut flowers etc. when we were
approached by Bord Bia and these plans were
postponed to facilitate Bloom 2007.
The OPW Bloom show garden
“A historic garden is an architectural and
horticultural composition of interest to the public
from the historical or artistic point of view.”
Florence Charter on Historic Gardens
The OPW ‘show garden’ was in the spirit of the
Florence Charter and is based on the Formal Victorian
Kitchen Walled Garden, where the Bloom Festival was
taking place in. The eighteen by eight meter show
garden, was a miniature of the two & a half acre
walled garden and included a Victorian glasshouse
with exotic interior plants, formal box parterre, fruit,
vegetable & cut flower displays with fruit trained on
the walls.
31

Dr Martin McAleese, President Mary McAleese, Angela Kennedy, Chairperson of an Bord Bia, Margaret Gormley, OPW Park Superintendent.
32
The theme of the ‘show garden’ was to inspire &
educate the public on the horticultural skill involved
in the growing of fruit, vegetables & flowers and was
also used as an opportunity to showcase ‘Historic
Parks & Gardens Countrywide’ within the remit of the
OPW. To this end 18 display panels were
incorporated within the Victorian bedding display
along the perimeter wall.
The Historic Parks & Gardens staff of the Phoenix Park
under the direction of Landscape Horticultural
Foreman, Declan Bermingham, carried out all works
for the ‘show garden’, within the same timeframe as
the rest of the show gardens. The Botanic
Greenhouse Company in Donabate provided the
Victorian Glasshouse for the show. Not only had the
garden team to ensure that the Show garden
reflected the standards of excellence in horticulture
that the OPW strive for, but they also had to present
the whole Phoenix Park in the best light. I would like
to express my thanks to all the staff of the Phoenix
Park who worked long & hard prior to and during
the show.
The OPW show garden was manned throughout by
a team of qualified horticulturists who answered
queries on landscape and horticultural matters and
on the show garden itself. More than 30,000 packs of
a newly designed leaflet on the Phoenix Park, the
Summer programme of events in the OPW’s historic
parks and gardens and a plant list of the OPW’s show
garden and original layout of the walled garden
were distributed during the Bloom festival.The OPW
garden was featured extensively on TV3's Ireland AM
breakfast program and fashion shoot.
The designing, planning and implementing of the
show garden was a hugely rewarding experience
and the feedback from the public over the four days
was overwhelming. The number of people who
came up to us at the garden to congratulate the
OPW on the range & quality of work they undertake
throughout the country was amazing.
Phoenix Park Team
Dr John McCullen, Chief Park Superintendent and
Margaret Gormley, Park Superintendent/ project
co-ordinator, Laura Farrell & Sarah Murphy, Temp
Landscape Horticultural graduates, Declan
Bermingham, Landscape Foreman, Declan
Donoghue, Head Gardener, Gabriel Gleeson & Hugh
Bonar, Heritage Services. The staff of the Phoenix Park.
Margaret Gormley
Park Superintendent

Southwest Drainage Staff
attending CPD site visit to New
Limerick Tunnel on river Shannon
Guide: Martin Gurdet
Company: Direct Route
Attending from OPW:
Michael Collins, Pat Donovan,
Noel Fitzpatrick, Mark Noonan,
Brian O Neill, Joe Barry,
Aidan O Donoghue
SOUTHWEST
PARTNERSHIP
As many of you will be aware, there has been a Partnership
Committee operating in Head Office for some years now.The
partnership committee is a forum for staff and management to meet
and discuss issues relating to how the organisation is being operated
or managed, and it is a forum, which allows staff to have some input
into the management process. Many issues are discussed and agreed
between management and staff in the partnership process.
Partnership does not deal with Industrial Relations issues.

34
The South West Partnership Group
Possibly as a result of looming decentralisation and
growing awareness within the organisation of life
outside Dublin, it was decided at the main
Partnership committee, to establish a regional sub
group of Partnership in the South West initially as a
pilot. The first meeting of the Partnership Sub-Group
for the South West Region took place at the National
Monuments Depot, Killarney on 17th November
2005. This sub group reports to the main partnership
committee through one of its members. Ann Keegan
(previously Pat Donovan) is a member of both
partnership committees.
What has been discussed at the South West group?
To date discussions have taken place on issues such
as IT systems and support including connectivity to
the OPW network for remote staff, Options on the
use of Merit pay, Commemoration of long service for
staff, Involving and communicating with staff
regarding the Partnership process, The use of
Defibrillators on large or busy sites in the south west,
and of course, Decentralisation and Regionalisation.
Who is represented by the South West group?
The issue of what area the ‘South West’ is intended to
cover was discussed. It was agreed that the ‘South
West’ should be taken to include any member of
staff located within Munster, or reporting in to or
working to an office located within Munster.
Who is on the South West Partnership Committee?
The group is, like the Main Partnership Committee,
made up of Management and Staff representatives.
Pat Donovan (Chair) Engineering Services
Neil Ryan Personnel
Michael Brennan Cork District Office
Ezra Mac Manamon South West Drainage Maintenance
John O’Connell National Monuments – Mallow
Pat O’Donoghue Hydrometric – Limerick
Des O’Brien District Architects – Limerick
Cormac Foley Historic Properties
Terry Murphy National Monuments – Killarney
Anne Keegan (Sec.) Project Management Services
Adrian Corcoran Visitor Services – Killarney
Where are meetings held?
Initially meetings were held either in Killarney or
Mallow. In order to create more awareness of the
existence of the Group meetings were taken on tour
from mid 2006 and two or three staff local to the
venue were invited to attend the meeting and to
participate. Meetings have been held at Fota House
Cork, Rock of Cashel and at Ionad an Bhlascaoid Mhoir.
How do we communicate with staff?
There is a good geographic and section spread of
staff on the committee.
A news letter was distributed to staff outlining the
purpose and aims of the Southwest Partnership Group.
A questionnaire was recently issued seeking staff views
on Merit Pay, Christmas party and issues of concern.
If Staff in Munster would like to know more about the
Partnership Group, or would like to have an issue raised
for discussion by the group, they should contact one of
the representatives above.
Pat Donovan
Engineering Services

STATSBYGG
DELEGATION VISIT
OPW
A delegation from the Communications Department of Statsbygg
(the Norwegian equivalent of OPW) visited Dublin on May 23
and 24, 2007.
OPW Director of Corporate Services, Mr. Vincent Campbell and staff
from the Public Relations Department provided them with a
presentation on the role and functions of the OPW and the
Statsbygg delegation presented a similar outline of Norwegian
methodology and their project portfolio.

36
Similarities between the two organisations were
immediately apparent as indeed were the many
similarities between the two countries.
Statsbygg’s tasks include:
• Construction
• Property Management
• Property Development
• Buying and Selling
Statsbygg has been in existence since approx
1816 and manage over 1,500 properties throughout
Norway and 120 properties abroad, a good example
of which being the Royal Norwegian Embassy in
Berlin. These properties comprise a floor space of 2.3
million square metres with a value of 20 Billion
Norwegian Krone. Revenue is generated primarily
through rent from users and leases of properties.
The best-known current construction being
undertaken by Statsbygg is the new opera house in
Bjorvika. Statsbygg also carries out property
development, town and country planning and can
remodel State properties for new purposes. A prime
example is the redevelopment of Fornebu, (the site
of the former main national airport) as a new urban
district with residential and commercial buildings.
The Norwegian delegation consisted of Hege Njaa
Rygh, Head of Communications, Mirjana Rødningen,
Ellen Hansen, Eva Wik, Pål Weiby, Ina Sneis, Mette
Nordhus and Eva Kvandal. During their trip they
visited the Government Media Centre in
Government Buildings, Dublin Castle and the State
Apartments, the Assay Office refurbishment project,
Farmleigh and the National Botanic Gardens.
Many thanks to Ray and Oisín in the Government
Media Centre, Tommy O'Shaughnessy and Denis
McCarthy in Dublin Castle, Mary Cannon in Special
Projects Unit and Felicity Gaffney and Matthew Jebb
in the National Botanic Gardens for their assistance in
setting up the visits to various OPW sites.
Kevin Kennedy
Public Relations Department

ON BECOMING
DR. JOHN
The need to research the landscape history and management of the
Phoenix Park became apparent when I was preparing the first
management plan for the Phoenix Park in 1986. Very little had been
written on the landscape history and management of the Phoenix
Park and what had been written relied on earlier secondary sources
with little new material being added.

38
My enthusiasm was excited by the finding of a
parliamentary report in the National Library which
summarised the works of the famous landscape
architect Decimus Burton undertaken in the Phoenix
Park between the years 1832 and 1845. I was further
enthused on receiving a copy of a letter by Decimus
Burton about Park work from the late Brian Hayden,
architect with the OPW. Brian’s discovery in the
basement of no. 10 Hume Street held out the
prospect of a cache of material on the formation of
the Park’s landscape. Shortly afterwards one Saturday
morning and with youthful enthusiasm, Liam Stewart
of National Parks and Monuments (now in IT) and
myself suitably attired with dust masks began a
random search of the basement files. Nothing had
emerged by lunchtime when we decided to explore
the rest of the building. The ground floor had been
completely vacated. The first floor was also vacant
with the exception of an old tin chest sitting in the
middle of the floor catching some shafts of sunlight
and yes you have guessed it – it was full of old
documents relating to the Park’s landscape
formation and management.
In the early 1990s I began to explore the possibility
of undertaking a PhD on the landscape history and
management of the Phoenix Park. With much
encouragement from former Board Chairmen Pascal
Scanlan and John O’Mahony and the director of
National Parks and Monuments, Noel Lynch I
arranged to meet Dr. Eddie Mc Parland from the
History of Art Dept. at Trinity College. Since UCD was
my alma mater for my primary degree in horticulture
I felt it would be exciting to study at another
university. This I would advise in the light of having
enjoyed doing a M.Sc. in Landscape Design, Ecology
and Management at London University in 1970.
In 1992 I registered for an M.Phil. at Trinity College
with Eddie Mc Parland as my tutor but before doing
so I purchased a copy of How To Get A PhD by Estelle
M. Phillips and D. S. Pugh for the princely sum of £13-
40 (punts). This is an invaluable text and evaluates all
the reasons for undertaking or not undertaking a
PhD. There were compelling reasons for undertaking
the thesis – the research work was needed for the
Phoenix Park, it was also my place of work for the
previous eight years, my youngest child, Marianne,
Early Maps

Early Maps
was ten years old, my active football playing days
were over, I lived in the Bailiff’s lodge in the Park and
had the luxury of devoting a room for my files,
computer and had sufficient table space to spread
out maps without having to remove them regularly.
Most importantly the OPW generously supported
the venture.
My test piece for the PhD was a twenty-five
thousand word dissertation on the Park’s drainage
which, although seemingly dull as a topic, turned out
to be a fascinating journey of discovery.
Perhaps one of my best decisions (when my writing
and grammar was letting me down) was to
undertake a twenty-week evening course on
Effective Writing at UCD (Earlsfort Terrace).
Although only seven years are allowed to complete a
PhD on a part-time basis and three to four years
fulltime I was unable to stay within the time allowed
and came off books (a term used to regroup or if
additional time is required to complete the thesis) in
2000 for personal and work reasons and resumed a
few years later. I completed the thesis in the Summer
of 2006 and my viva (defence of thesis) took place in
November 2006 followed by the graduation in
February 2007.
A frequently asked question is how is it possible to
undertake a PhD thesis while working fulltime? The
key for me was working with a topic which was part
of my work but more importantly I was able to copy
and photograph (using high speed black and white
film and natural light) numerous documents in the
National Archives and have material copied at other
national institutions (both here and abroad) thus
minimising the time and number of visits to these
institutions. OPW was one of the first to comply with
Dr. Garret Fitzgerald’s National Archives Act (1986).
At the time the OPW archive was stored at the
former Independent Newspapers warehouse on
Dominick Street and were being sorted and boxed
for their destination on the National Archives shelves
at Bishop Street. At the above location I was
fortunate to be able to copy the relevant documents
relating to the Phoenix Park over a two-year period
(during the Winter evenings and at weekends).
The next step is to publish the thesis to make the
information as widely available as possible and as I
write the OPW are actively pursuing this course of
action…
In conclusion I would like to thank all my colleagues
in the OPW who have encouraged and helped me to
achieve my doctorate.
John McCullen
Chief Park Supt. (Historic Parks & Gardens) OPW.
39

OFFICE OF
PUBLIC WORKS
GOLF SOCIETIES
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Before addressing the origins of The OPW Golf Society it may be
interesting to explore the evolution of Golf itself. Throughout
recorded history, practically every civilisation in the world has
played a game using some sort of a club and ball. The Celts had
shinty, the Chinese played Ch'ui wan (beating a ball) the Roman
scribe Catullas describes the game “pangea” which would appear to
be the forerunner of hockey and hurling. Some would also have you
believed that Kolven from Holland and Chole from Belgium
influenced the game of golf.
Winners of the Chairman’s Cup

However these games, while played with a stick and
ball, are missing the one vital ingredient that is unique
to golf “the Hole”.The Scots are generally credited with
inventing the hole as they played a game not
dissimilar to golf today on the eastern coast of
Scotland in the Kingdom of Fife during the 15th.
Century. Players hit a pebble around a natural course
of sand dunes, rabbit runs and tracks using a stick or
primitive club and eventually down a rabbit hole.
The earliest recorded reference to golf is made in
1457 by the parliament of King James 2 of Scotland,
when it bans the playing of golf on Sundays because
it is distracting the population from it's archery
practice, a skill more useful in defending itself against
an English invasion. The ban, however was largely
ignored despite being reaffirmed twice in 1470 and
1491,but was eventually lifted following the Treaty of
Glasgow with James 4 (James 1 of England) himself
taking up the sport.
However there is no doubt as to the origins of the
OPW Golf Society as the current committee still hold
the original documentation relating to the formation
of the Society. It all began on Tuesday 17th October
1911 at a meeting of a group of officers of the Board
of Works interested in golf. In the chair was: Mr. G.E.
Shanahan, also present were Messrs. T.F.Foley, C.S.
Herbert, T. M. Batcher, W. Charlton, G. Price, F. Taylor,
J.J. Rafter, and T. S. Cassidy.
There were five motions put to the meeting that day,
all were carried unanimously as follows:
Proposed C. S. Herbert, seconded by T.M. Batcher:
“That the golfing society of the Board of Works be
instituted”
Proposed T.F. Foley, seconded by G. Price:
“That the society be open to Officers of the Board of
Works who are members of a recognised Golf Club
and that the yearly subscription be two shillings and
sixpence”
Proposed G. Price, seconded by J.J. Rafter:
“That the officers of the society be a President,
Captain, Secretary/Treasurer and a committee of six
of these the President Captain and Secretary be the
officer members of the Committee, and that the
Chairman of the Board be asked to become a Patron
of the Society”
Proposed T.F. Foley, seconded by C.S. Herbert:
“That Mr. Commissioner Stevenson be invited to
become President of the Society”
Proposed C. S. Herbert seconded by T. F. Foley:
“That the officers for the incoming year be as
follows:
Captain T. M. Batcher
Secretary/Treasurer G. Price
Committee T.F. Foley W. Charlton, C. S. Herbert,
T.Cassidy,J.J.Rafter
That the framing of the rules of the Society be left
to the committee”
Ninety-six years later I am glad to report that the
Society is enjoying another successful season having
played it’s Captains Outing at Donabate Golf Club
with former Chairman John Mahony taking the
Captains prize.
The current committee comprise:
Captain: Joe McGrath
Secretary: Donal Wickham
Treasurer: Terry Beagon
Terry Beagon
Hon. Secretary
41

42
Clock Tower Golf Society
Farmleigh opened to the public in 2001 and soon
after that the Clocktower Golf Society was formed.
The name was taken from the large Clocktower
which stands in the grounds of Farmleigh. Our first
President was Tommy O’Shaughnessy and our first
Captain was Hugh O’Neill. In the earlier years we
played such courses as Elm Green and Hollystown,
but as our players became better golfers we have
progressed to courses such as Slieve Russell, Glasson
and the Castleknock Golf and Country Club. In 2002
we lost Frank Story who died while working at
Farmleigh. In honour of his memory we named a cup
after him and it is played for in a match play format
every year. The society organise weekends away and
we have travelled to the Slieve Russell Golf Club in
2005 and the Glasson Golf and Country Club in 2006.
Both these weekends were very successful, both
socially and golfing. 2006 was our most successful
year as we won the Chairmans cup in a hard fought
battle with the OPW Society and the BMS Society at
Kilcock. The trophy stands proudly in our display
cabinet in Farmleigh. The Clocktower Golf Society will
be trying its best to retain the trophy in 2007 at
Beech Park Golf Club. I would like to thank all the
committee and members for their support through
the years.
Brendan Hickey
David Levins
The B.M.S. Golf Society
The BMS Golf Society season for 2007 teed off with
our first major event which was held at Malahide
Golf Club on Tuesday 10th April. The outing was well
supported by members on a fine day weatherwise
on a good course, we also welcomed a number of
visitors on the day.
The event was won by Philip Maher(comments were
that it was about time). The visitors prize was won by
Willie O'Brien O.P.W. Golf Society.
Thanks to our outgoing Captain Jimmy Kennedy
who presented the prizes. The members extended
their thanks to the Sports Committee for the
continued sponsorship of our golf society.
The BMS Golf Society are looking forward to our
challenge in the Chairmans Cup on the 28th June at
Beech Park.The next major event on the BMS calender
will be held on Monday 29th October. Looking
forward to the continued support of our members.
Philip Maher
Hon. Secretary

STAFF MOVEMENT JAN – JUN 2007
Name Grade Date
Sharon Slattery SO Career Break 03/01/2007
Rita Finucane EO Career Break 15/01/2007
Howard Fox Botanist Grade 3 Career Break 20/04/2007
Darragh Langan EO Career Break 30/04/2007
Maura Gear CO Career Break 01/05/2007
Eileen Scanlan APO Career Break 16/05/2007
Saskia O'Connor Architect Commenced 08/01/2007
Hugh Rochford CO Commenced 08/01/2007
Aoife Hurley Architect Commenced 22/01/2007
Paul Kiernan Engineer Gr III Commenced 22/01/2007
Dervla Rose Engineer Gr III Commenced 12/02/2007
Caroline Byrne CO Commenced 02/04/2007
Niamh Ryan CO Commenced 11/04/2007
Alice Dooley CO Commenced 11/04/2007
Malgorzata Kudyba Architect Commenced 09/05/2007
Padraig Guilfoyle CO Commenced 21/05/2007
Noelle McManus Architect Commenced 28/05/2007
Lennart Sobiecki Architect Commenced 28/05/2007
Paul Beastie Technical Assistant Commenced 29/06/2007
Mark Noonan Engineer Gr III Promoted to Engineer Grade II 04/04/2007
Paul Costello Engineer Gr III Promoted to Engineer Grade II 04/04/2007
Peter Lowe Engineer Gr III Promoted to Engineer Grade II 04/04/2007
Shane Flaherty Engineer Gr III Promoted to Engineer Grade II 04/04/2007
Amanda Bloxham EO Promoted to HEO 04/04/2007
Heather Connolly EO Promoted to HEO 04/04/2007
Ann Rooney EO Promoted to HEO 04/04/2007
Brendan Cormican Architect Promoted to Senior Architect 31/05/2007
Pat Boyle Architect Promoted to Senior Architect 08/06/2007
Edel Collins Architect Promoted to Senior Architect 08/06/2007
Gerard Harvey Architect Promoted to Senior Architect 08/06/2007
James Hayde Engineer Gr III Promoted to Engineer Grade II 19/06/2007
Aidan McGovern Engineer Gr III Promoted to Engineer Grade II 19/06/2007
Susan Fahy EO Retired 05/01/2007
Bernadette Shine Botanical Assistant Retired 19/01/2007
Veronica O'Meara Telephonist Retired 14/02/2007
Brendan M Cooney Architect Retired 22/02/2007
Stephen Hughes SO Retired 22/02/2007
John Byrne District Inspector Retired 26/02/2007
Norman Roe Architectural Assistant Retired 08/03/2007
Jack Brady Senior Clerk of Works Retired 17/05/2007
Donal Healy District Inspector Retired 25/05/2007

STAFF MOVEMENT JAN – JUN 2007(CONT.)
Name Grade Date
Brian Ronayne Architectural Assistant Retired 08/06/2007
Anthony McAuley District Inspector Retired 12/06/2007
Patrick O'Kane Architectural Assistant Retired 12/06/2007
Ronan Clerkin Quantity Surveyor Return from CB 26/02/2007
Catherine Banville EO Return from CB 15/03/2007
Marie Fitzpatrick EO Return from CB 17/04/2007
Patrick McKenna EO Transfer In 22/01/2007 Decentralisation
Teresa Collins EO Transfer In 12/02/2007 Decentralisation
Nora Carey SO Transfer In 12/03/2007 Decentralisation
Niall Murphy HEO Transfer In 12/03/2007 Decentralisation
Julie Fitzgerald EO Transfer In 16/04/2007 Decentralisation
Declan Murray EO Transfer In 16/04/2007 Decentralisation
Jack Whitty HEO Transfer In 16/04/2007 Decentralisation
Sheila Foy SO Transfer In 30/04/2007 Decentralisation
Christine Brennan HEO Transfer In 28/05/2007 Decentralisation
Daniel Hegarty HEO Transfer In 28/05/2007 Decentralisation
Denis Marke Nightwatchman Transfer In 04/06/2007
Anthony Murray Nightwatchman Transfer In 04/06/2007
Finbarr Kelleher EO Transfer In 11/06/2007 Decentralisation
Vincent Breen HEO Transfer In 18/06/2007 Decentralisation
David McAuliffe APO Transfer In 25/06/2007 Decentralisation
Louise Gorman CO Transfer Out 19/01/2007
Josephine Curley EO Transfer Out 02/02/2007 Decentralisation
Sharon Kiernan CO Transfer Out 09/02/2007 Decentralisation
Deirdre Behan CO Transfer Out 20/04/2007 Decentralisation
Eileen Dunne CO Transfer Out 20/04/2007 Decentralisation
Josephine O'Sullivan CO Transfer Out 20/04/2007 Decentralisation
Conor O'Leary HEO Transfer Out 27/04/2007 Decentralisation
Reamonn McDunphy EO Transfer Out 11/05/2007 Decentralisation
Gerry Doyle APO Transfer Out 18/05/2007 Decentralisation
John Foley HEO Transfer Out 18/05/2007 Decentralisation
Sean O'Colman HEO Transfer Out 28/05/2007 Decentralisation
Anthony Collins HEO Transfer Out 01/06/2007 Decentralisation
Maura Flanagan SO Transfer Out 05/06/2007 Decentralisation
Martin Luby APO Transfer Out 05/06/2007 Decentralisation
Bronagh Kelly CO Transfer Out 25/06/2007
Denise Duffy HEO Transfer Out 29/06/2007 Decentralisation
Lisa Kenny CO Transfer Out 29/06/2007 Decentralisation
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